Japan’s MUFG seeks majority of Indonesia’s Bank Danamon

TOKYO (Reuters) - Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) (8306.T) said on Tuesday it agreed to buy 73.8 percent of Bank Danamon Indonesia (BDMN.JK), as it looks to build a foothold in Southeast Asia’s biggest economy. MUFG said it aimed to buy up to 100 ... ( read original story ...)

Japan government to promote fugu exports to Asia

It hopes to attain the goal by promoting fugu as a new “Japanese brand” foodstuff. Fugu has poison in various parts of the body, such as its skin and testis, depending on the species. In Japan, a licensing system for cooking fugu has been established. ( read original story ...)

Japan, South Korea Stocks Fall, While China Rebounds

Because of Samsung’s fourth-quarter pullback, the index had fallen five of the past seven weeks. Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average declined 0.2% after setting its latest 26-year closing high Monday. But department stores rose solidly Tuesday after ... ( read original story ...)

Nikkei lifted by retail names, China stocks struggle

Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average NIK, -0.20% was down 0.2% in early afternoon trading, after setting its latest 26-year closing high Monday. But department stores rose solidly Tuesday after Takashimaya posted solid fiscal third-quarter earnings ... ( read original story ...)

Japan’s November consumer prices rise for 11th straight month

Japan’s core consumer prices rose for the eleventh straight month and household spending jumped in November, offering the central bank some hope a steady economic recovery will gradually drive up inflation to its 2 per cent target. But the increase in ... ( read original story ...)

Japan’s household spending jumps but BOJ seen keeping stimulus

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's households spent more than expected in November while consumer inflation ticked up and the jobless rate hit a fresh 24-year low, offering the central bank some hope an economic recovery will drive up inflation to its 2 percent target. ( read original story ...)

Nikkei dips in thin holiday trade, Takashimaya lifts retailers

TOKYO, Dec 26 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average inched down on Tuesday, caught in a narrow range as the index lacked leads from other markets, while retailers were lifted after Takashimaya rose strongly on upbeat earnings. The Nikkei was 0.08 ... ( read original story ...)

Japan jobless rate lowest since 1993

Japan's unemployment rate in November dipped to its lowest level since November 1993, official data showed Tuesday, offering another sign that the world's third-largest economy is on track to recovery even if the place is slow. Figures released by the ... ( read original story ...)

Seeing Nagoya Castle in a new light with night illuminations

NAGOYA--Dozens of illuminated spheres are lending imposing Nagoya Castle, a city landmark, an extra aura of nighttime magic through mid-January. Ninety or so spheres were installed on the castle grounds, each about 1.5 meters in diameter, that flash in ... ( read original story ...)